Santuario

A Night of Sanctuary & Hope

Saturday, July 18, 2026

6 p.m.

St. Rogers Depot

420 N. Campbell St. El Paso, TX 79901

A sanctuary — or santuario in Italian — is a place of safety and protection. Here, where the threats of the outside world slip away, one can experience comfort, peace, healing and restoration.

This is true for both humans … and animals.

AN ANIMAL SANCTUARY IS NEEDED

Our community has an unprecedented volume of abandoned dogs and cats roaming our neighborhoods and streets. They are scared, hungry, and sick. Some may be rescued and adopted. But age, illness, disabilities, breed type and scars from abuse will prevent many of them from ever being wanted. Yet these unloved creatures also deserve a place they can call home forever.

WE NEED YOUR HELP

On July 18th, a new chapter for Tango’s Animal Sanctuary — a home for our community’s discarded and perfectly imperfect animals — will be established.

We’re inviting you to play a founding role in Tango’s next chapter with us. Your generous contribution will make it possible to open a new facility that will house the growing number of dogs and cats in the sanctuary’s care.

JOIN US

Please join Terry and Vic Poulos for an evening of sanctuary and hope, featuring an imaginative yet authentic and comforting Italian wine-and-food pairing dinner set in an environment reminiscent of a Tuscan garden at St. Rogers Depot.

All five courses will be created by celebrity Italian chef Giuliano Matarese and paired with exquisite Italian wines selected by your friend and wine expert Vic Poulos.

The evening will also feature informative conversations with Terry Poulos led by film and television actors, animal advocates and native El Pasoans Ana Alicia Ortiz and Cathryn Dylan Ortiz.

ATTIRE

Garden Party Attire (Chic but casual)

RSVP BY JULY 3, 2026

The evening will be graciously hosted by Terry and Vic, so there is no cost to attend.

However, we hope you’ll feel deeply moved to donate what you can so that Tango’s Animal Sanctuary may continue to grow and meet the urgent needs of our community.

Please use the link sent to you via text and/or email to RSVP for this event.

NOTE: This invitation is non-transferable and is only intended for the invitees to whom it has been sent.

UNABLE TO ATTEND BUT WISH TO DONATE?

If you’re unable to attend the Santuario Dinner but would like to donate to Tango’s Animal Sanctuary, please contact Terry at 915-588-8831.

OUR SPECIAL GUESTS

Giuliano Matarese

Born and raised in Napoli, Italy, Giuliano Matarese discovered his passion for cooking in his family’s restaurant, where he learned the traditions and flavors of authentic Neapolitan cuisine from an early age.

His journey later brought him to New York City, where he trained under chef Dante Boccuzzi at Charlie Palmer’s Aureole, refining his skills in fine dining while developing his own modern Italian style.

Throughout his career, Giuliano has led the kitchens of luxury hotels, resorts, and acclaimed restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Convivio. He also worked as a corporate chef, creating innovative menus and culinary programs, and appeared on popular cooking competitions such as Chopped and Beat Bobby Flay.

In Dallas, Giuliano became known as the co-owner of Mille Lire, a restaurant inspired by Italy’s La Dolce Vita.

In 2023, he and his wife, Tiziana Cosentino, opened Miss Pasta in Richardson, Texas — a casual Italian kitchen focused on handmade pasta and authentic Italian flavors. With dishes like Cacio e Pepe, Carbonara, and Bolognese Ragù, Miss Pasta quickly became a favorite in the Dallas-Fort Worth dining scene, earning recognition from D Magazine as one of the Best New Restaurants of 2024.

Today, Giuliano continues to share his passion for Italian cuisine through authentic food made with tradition, creativity, and heart at Miss Pasta.

Ana Alicia Ortiz

Mexican-born, El Paso-raised actress-producer-director, Ana Alicia is best known for her lead role as Melissa on CBS’s Falcon Crest, and for her starring roles in the critically acclaimed film, ROMERO opposite Raul Julia, and the cult classic HOLLOWEEN 2.

In addition to her years of work in the Entertainment Industry, Ana Alicia has always been a passionate animal advocate. Joyfully sharing this passion with her children from a young age, filling their home with dogs, cats, geckos, ducks, bunnies, raccoons and even a few skunks.

Her love of animals and strong belief in animal rights motivated her to host the syndicated series ZOO LIFE MAGAZINE, as well as to serve as the spokesperson for the HUMANE SOCIETY of the UNITED STATES, campaigning to end testing of cosmetic and personal care products on animals.

Ana Alicia is honored to support TANGO’S ANIMAL SANCTUARY and its mission, and thrilled to be sharing this evening with her children, Cathryn and Michael, as well as her brother, Richard Ortiz, and his wife, Maricela – all animal lovers and protectors.

Cathryn Dylan Ortiz

Cathryn Dylan Ortiz is a Los Angeles–based actress and a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University's School of Drama. She currently recurs as Brenda Azurmendi on season two of HBO Max's Emmy-winning series The Pitt, and recently appeared in Taylor Sheridan's Yellowstone spinoff, Marshals.

Her additional credits include Showtime's Ray Donovan, NBC's Law & Order: SVU and Chicago Justice, and ABC's Grey's Anatomy and The Rookie.

While acting is her career, animal welfare is her heart. Cathryn is a longtime supporter of organizations dedicated to the protection and compassionate care of animals. She also operates a dog boarding business and volunteers at a cat rescue in her free time.

Cathryn is proud to support Tango's Animal Sanctuary and its mission to give rescued animals the safety, love, and happiness that they so deserve.